60 Songs About Racism (Pop, Rap & More)
Contents
I. Christian Songs About Racism
1. We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson
We Shall Overcome is a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about overcoming obstacles and continuing to fight for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The song is a rallying cry for justice and equality, and it has been used as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.
II. Country Songs About Racism
1. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.
2. Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan
The song is a protest against the American government and its policies. It is a call for change and an end to the violence and injustice that Dylan sees around him. The song is also a plea for peace and understanding, and a hope that someday the world will be a better place.
3. Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuire
The song is about the impending doom of the world, and how humanity is responsible for its own destruction. It is a warning to humanity to change its ways before it is too late.
4. I Ain’t Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs
The song is an anti-war protest song written by Phil Ochs. It is about the Vietnam War and the anti-war movement. The song is critical of the government and the military, and it calls for an end to the war.
5. Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival
The song is about rich kids who never have to work for anything and always get what they want. They never have to worry about money or the draft, unlike the poor kids who have to work hard and worry about being drafted into the Vietnam War.
III. Rock Songs About Racism
1. The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
The song is about how the world is constantly changing and how people need to change with it. Dylan sings about how the old ways of doing things are no longer effective and how people need to adapt to the new ways. He also talks about how the future is always unknown and how people need to be prepared for it.
2. Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan
The song is a protest against the American government and its policies. It is a call for change and an end to the violence and injustice that Dylan sees around him. The song is also a plea for peace and understanding, and a hope that someday the world will be a better place.
3. Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) by Marvin Gaye
The song is about the difficulties of living in an inner city. Gaye sings about the poverty, crime, and racism that he sees around him. He also talks about how these problems make him want to “holler” in frustration.
4. Blackbird by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
The song is about a blackbird that is trying to escape from a cage. The bird is struggling to find a way out and is eventually freed. The song is a metaphor for the struggles of African Americans in America.
5. Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuire
The song is about the impending doom of the world, and how humanity is responsible for its own destruction. It is a warning to humanity to change its ways before it is too late.
6. Brown Sugar by The Rolling Stones
The song is about a man who is addicted to a woman who is a drug dealer. The woman is brown sugar and the man is addicted to her.
7. For What It’s Worth by Buffalo Springfield
The song is about the Vietnam War and the protests against it. It is also about the Generation Gap between the older and younger generations.
8. One in a Million by Guns N’ Roses
The song is about a person who is in love with someone who is “one in a million.” The person is willing to do anything for the person they love, and they would be happy just to be with them.
9. Illegal Alien by Genesis
The song is about an illegal alien who is living in the United States. He is from Mexico and is trying to make a better life for himself and his family. He is working hard to make ends meet, but is always looking over his shoulder for the authorities.
10. Brother Louie by The Stories
The song is about a man who is in love with a woman who is already in a relationship. He is willing to do anything to be with her, even if it means breaking up her current relationship.
11. Masters of War by Bob Dylan
The song is a protest against the United States government’s involvement in the Vietnam War. It criticizes the government’s hypocrisy in sending young men to fight and die in a war that it knows is unwinnable.
12. Imagine by John Lennon
John Lennon’s “Imagine” is a song about peace and love. He imagines a world where there is no war or hate, and people are free to live their lives in peace and harmony.
13. Ohio by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
The song is a protest against the Kent State shootings, which occurred when the Ohio National Guard opened fire on a group of unarmed college students who were protesting the Vietnam War. The song was written by Neil Young, who was deeply affected by the event. The lyrics express the anger and sorrow felt by many Americans at the time. The song is still relevant today, as it speaks to the continued violence against unarmed civilians.
14. Baltimore by Prince
The song is about a city that is struggling with crime and poverty. Prince is asking for help from the government and from the people of the city. He is also asking for prayers for the city.
15. Southern Man by Neil Young
The song is about how the South is filled with racists and how they mistreat African Americans.
IV. Rap Songs About Racism
1. No Vaseline by Ice Cube
The song is a diss track aimed at N.W.A, and specifically at Dr. Dre and Eazy-E. It accuses them of selling out by signing with a major label, and claims that they would not have been successful without Ice Cube’s contributions.
2. Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos by Public Enemy
This song is about the struggles of the African American community, and how they are constantly fighting for survival. The lyrics talk about how the African American community has been through a lot of pain and suffering, but they are still standing strong.
3. The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
“The Message” is a song by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The song is a warning to young people about the dangers of living in an inner city. The song is considered one of the first rap songs to deal with social issues.
4. White America by Eminem
The song ‘White America’ by Eminem is a commentary on race relations in the United States. The lyrics discuss the history of racism and discrimination against minorities, and how this has led to a feeling of alienation and resentment among many white Americans. The song also touches on the issue of white privilege, and how some people use it to justify their own racism.
5. Kill You by Eminem
The song is about Eminem’s struggles with addiction and how it has affected his life. He also talks about how he wants to kill himself, but can’t because he knows his daughter would be better off without him.
6. So Many Tears by Tupac Shakur
The song is about the struggles that Tupac faced in his life. He talks about how he has been through so much pain and suffering, and how he has shed so many tears. He also talks about how he is not giving up, and how he is going to keep fighting.
7. Trapped by Tupac Shakur
“Trapped” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur from his 1996 album All Eyez on Me. The song is about the realities of living in low-income housing and the struggles that come with it.
8. Changes by Tupac Shakur
“Changes” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur, which was recorded in 1992 and released as a single in 1998. The song addresses the issue of racism in America, and Shakur’s hope for a future where people of all races can live together in peace.
9. Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur
The song is a tribute to Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur. He talks about how she was a strong black woman who raised him by herself and how she always put her children first. He talks about how she was always there for him, even when he was in trouble. He talks about how she is the reason he is the man he is today and how he will always love her.
10. Changes by Tupac Shakur
“Changes” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur, which was recorded in 1992 and released as a single in 1998. The song addresses the issue of racism in America, and Shakur’s hope for a future where people of all races can live together in peace.
11. Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur
The song is a tribute to Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur. He talks about how she was a strong black woman who raised him by herself and how she always put her children first. He talks about how she was always there for him, even when he was in trouble. He talks about how she is the reason he is the man he is today and how he will always love her.
12. So Many Tears by Tupac Shakur
The song is about the struggles that Tupac faced in his life. He talks about how he has been through so much pain and suffering, and how he has shed so many tears. He also talks about how he is not giving up, and how he is going to keep fighting.
13. The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
“The Message” is a song by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The song is a warning to young people about the dangers of living in an inner city. The song is considered one of the first rap songs to deal with social issues.
14. Trapped by Tupac Shakur
“Trapped” is a song by American rapper Tupac Shakur from his 1996 album All Eyez on Me. The song is about the realities of living in low-income housing and the struggles that come with it.
V. R&B Songs About Racism
1. Black Rage by Lauryn Hill
“Black Rage” is a song by Lauryn Hill. It is a ballad about the oppression and struggles of black people in America. The song was written in response to the death of Trayvon Martin.
2. Alright by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s song “Alright” is a positive and uplifting anthem about overcoming adversity. Despite the struggles and challenges faced by the singer and those around him, he remains hopeful and confident that things will eventually get better. The song has a catchy hook and a strong message of hope and resilience, which has resonated with many fans.
3. Mississippi Goddam by Nina Simone
The song is about the racism and discrimination that African Americans face in the United States. Simone criticizes the government and society for not doing enough to protect black people from violence and injustice.
4. A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
The song is about how things are going to get better for the narrator. He has been through a lot of hard times, but he knows that things will eventually get better.
5. Fight The Power by Public Enemy
The song is about fighting against discrimination and racism.
6. Baltimore by Prince
The song is about a city that is struggling with crime and poverty. Prince is asking for help from the government and from the people of the city. He is also asking for prayers for the city.
7. Keep Ya Head Up by Tupac Shakur
The song is about keeping your head up through tough times. No matter what happens, you have to keep going.
8. A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song by Sam Cooke, released in December 1964 on RCA Victor. Written in response to the Civil Rights Movement, it has been referred to as “a declaration of hope and faith in the future”.[1] The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
9. Glory by John Legend, Common
The song is about the fight for equality and justice. It talks about how the struggle is long and hard, but eventually they will prevail.
10. Ebony and Ivory by Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney
The song is about how different colors can live together in harmony.
11. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free by Nina Simone
The song is about the desire for freedom, both personal and political. Simone sings about the frustration of being oppressed and the longing for a life without restrictions. She also touches on the idea that freedom is something that must be fought for, and that it is not always easy to obtain.
12. White Privilege II by Ryan Lewis
The song “White Privilege II” by Ryan Lewis is a song about the struggles that minorities face in America. The song addresses the issue of white privilege and how it contributes to the inequality that minorities experience. The song also discusses the Black Lives Matter movement and the police brutality that minorities face.
13. Better Days by Ariana Grande
The song is about a relationship that is going through a rough patch. The singer is telling her partner that things will get better and they just need to hold on.
14. Eyes on the Prize by Mavis Staples
The song is about the importance of staying focused on what is important in life, despite the many distractions that can pull us away. It is a call to stay focused on our goals and to never give up.
15. We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa
The song “We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and performed by a supergroup of American artists in 1985. The song was written in response to the famine in Ethiopia and it raised over $63 million for relief efforts. The song became an international hit and won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
16. I Wish by Stevie Wonder
The song is about a young boy who wishes he could have all the things that he sees other kids with. He wishes he could have a bike, a new pair of shoes, and a toy truck. He also wishes he could go to the circus and see the animals.
17. When the Revolution Comes by The Last Poets
“When the Revolution Comes” is a song by The Last Poets. It was released in 1970 on their self-titled debut album. The song is a call to arms for the black community, urging them to rise up and overthrow their oppressors. The song features a heavy drumbeat and spoken word lyrics.
18. He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands by Mahalia Jackson
The song is about how God has everything under control and how we should put our trust in him.
19. Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday
The song is a protest against the lynching of African Americans. It is a very powerful and emotive song, and Holiday’s performance is stunning.
20. War by Edwin Starr
The song is about the horrors of war and the need for peace. It was written in response to the Vietnam War.
21. We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa
The song “We Are the World” was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and performed by a supergroup of American artists in 1985. The song was written in response to the famine in Ethiopia and it raised over $63 million for relief efforts. The song became an international hit and won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
22. White Privilege II by Ryan Lewis
The song “White Privilege II” by Ryan Lewis is a song about the struggles that minorities face in America. The song addresses the issue of white privilege and how it contributes to the inequality that minorities experience. The song also discusses the Black Lives Matter movement and the police brutality that minorities face.
23. Glory by John Legend, Common
The song is about the fight for equality and justice. It talks about how the struggle is long and hard, but eventually they will prevail.
24. Ebony and Ivory by Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney
The song is about how different colors can live together in harmony.
25. We Shall Overcome by Mahalia Jackson
We Shall Overcome is a song about hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is about overcoming obstacles and continuing to fight for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The song is a rallying cry for justice and equality, and it has been used as an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.
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